SCULPTING BETHIA STORM has started...

I just started the sculpting on
my Very First Izannah Walker Dolls...
Bethiah Storm 001 & 002

One for me and one for ??? That is if I should be so Lucky to get Two.

Today I will do the third layer and attempt to shape the heads better.
So far so good...Then onto the facial details.
I did get a dress pattern from Gail Wilson but, it is my understanding that it does not fit Dixie's doll pattern I am currently attempting. So, we shall see. I am NOT a seamstress and to make adjustments is going to be a bit nefarious for me. I am thinking to make the dress larger...then I can cut back which would be better than adding on.
Sounds OK? Any suggestions?
*************
I have just done some facial features like the nose and forehead.
I am amazed at how the needed fixes show up in the photos...
Looks like back to work before I go any further...Especially in the profile views.

TDIPT OPEN HOUSE

Its time to Celebrate...
TDIPT - Style!

November is going to be an enchanting month
and on the TDIPT Mercantile,

we are thrilled to host a

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE !

We have TWENTY ONE talented artisans
who have graciously donated their own

captivating handcrafts to make this occasion

as joyous for you as it is for all of us!

Entering the drawing couldn't be easier, either...
To qualify to win one of the

wonderful gifts shown below,
Simply JOIN our MAILING LIST or
Leave a Comment on our Blog!

DOUBLE your CHANCES of WINNING!
Each time you purchase from the TDIPT Mercantile
this month, you will qualify for TWO chances

in the drawing.

Already on our MAILING LIST?
No Worries! You are already in the drawing!
Just sit back and cross your fingers.

The Drawing will be held

and winners announced on

November 22, 2009.

Please keep in mind, all of our artists who

have generously donated a gift

will also pay all shipping charges

within the continental USA.
But we want everyone to participate -

and just ask that those of you outside the USA

pay for the shipping.

We do hope that you will
JOIN US for the FESTIVITIES!

LARGE TRADITIONAL PIN CUSHIONS

FOR SALE ON 'MY ETSY SPOT'

4 3/4 " Diameter and 1 1/2" high...made with lanolin rich wool
to condition your pins and needles.
This helps them to glide in and out of your fabric.
It's the perfect place to store your sewing needles and pins.
Top half is antique white and bottom is light green...
Center has yoyo of green/ivory plaid cotton fabric with a vintage button...
Multiple strands of embroidery floss section and shape each cushion,
and fasten the vintage buttons.

Includes hat pin and vintage rusty key.
&
A Large 4 inch long Strawberry filled with
Ground English Walnut Shells.

The Shells are non toxic and sharpens needles and pins safely.

All the parts are either machine or hand stitched.

I do NOT use any glue on my pincushions!

4.75 " Diameter and 1.5" high...made with lanolin rich wool
to condition your pins and needles.
This helps them to glide in and out of your fabric.
It's the perfect place to store your sewing needles and pins.

Top half is Antique White and bottom is Light Heather Green...
Center has yoyo of Green/Ivory plaid cotton fabric with a vintage button...
Multiple strands of embroidery floss section and shape each cushion,
and fasten the vintage buttons.
S.O.L.D

Includes hat pins, vintage rusty key and small round tag with 'PINS' inked on it.

OK ~ Enough is Enough ~ Time to start my first Izannah Walker Doll

This will be her name...
Bethiah Storm
(a distant relative)
May 26, 1767 ~ September 6, 1841

I hope to show pictures of my progress.

FIRST ~ my template to cut out her body.
Using Izzy 2009 pattern from Dixie Redmond.
Hoping that she will be 18" tall, plus or minus.

SECOND ~ Two days Later ... October 17th...Is this progress???

Body parts are Sewn and then cut out and turned inside out.
Now I have to stuff these little darlin's...
I am doin' two just in case I make mistakes
and I know I will. This way I have spare parts.

THIRD ~ October 20TH...

They both are stuffed...have not had any Losses,
so maybe I will end up with two I.W.'s???
Only problem I am now approaching the part that needs to be sculpted.
I will probably wait for tomorrow...
Ooops almost forgot to do the thumbs, that's next.

Still Busy Busy...sewin' now!

Here are some of my 'Pin Cushions' with
more to come...The Strawberries are ALL
filled with Ground English Walnut Shells.
This provides a non-toxic material for
sharpening needles and pins...
***
Some of these great Pin Cuhsions
FOR SALE
on my Selling Blog
Barbara Shores' Art...

Busy Busy time of year...

CHRISTMAS ~ 2009
So this is what I have been up to...making ornaments for our upcoming
Arts & Crafts Faire on the 24th...

I reduced the size of two of my paintings and used modge podge
to adhere them to the wood cut out ornies.

The Portrait of Santa, I added German Glass Glitter
around the edges, back side has random
gold stars floating on nite blue background.

The Pear Tree ornaments have been painted to look like a pear
on the backside with frosty mica flakes...


Hope everyone likes them as much as I do...
I think they are super!

The 4" round ornament is a reduced print
from my painted 16" round wooden plate,
which by the way,
appeared in '
JoSonja's 'Artist's Journal'.

I AM A WITCH...I knew it, told ya so, heheheeee

THIS IS NOT A TRICK...HONESTLY!

The broom is standing alone unassisted in ALL pictures...I started at 8:00 P.M., Got it to stand alone, then moved it once (last picture) and it is still standing...at 11:08 P.M.!

The magnetic field is at its strongest is the reason...





I understand that this happens ever 60 years or so...tryin' to find out more...
cuz I am jest as confounded as you!

F I N A L L Y . . .

MY FIRST PENNY RUG (Runner)...
This is the only good picture...am in a hurry this mornin'...
You know what that means...'Haste makes waste'.
I do love the colors ... I love it, PERIOD.
I hope to make more, cause I thoroughly enjoyed
this project.
Will be back with more & better pictures...
Peace to all and God Bless America.

DOTING GRANNY IS BACK...

My youngest son Jeffrey Kyle, the proud Daddy and me the proud Granma, holding the newest addition to our family...
Kohana Anne Shores.

BOTH OF MY GRANDBABIES...That's all, just two, one of each.
How Great is that?
Kohana in my arms
and Kyle MacGregor checking us out.

A Day at Disneyland ~ Sandy's B-Day

Went to Disneyland on 09-01-2009 for Sandy's B~Day.

Our Special Angel was 45 on August 18th...but decided to go after kids were back inschool, hopefully to avoid larger crowds...and it worked.
Spent only 20+- mins. in line
Here are some of the photos taken...
The MacPuddin family was there in full force, that being
Papa MacPuddin, Gram-ma Mac Puddin & Auntie (Sandy) MacPuddin.
Of course Kyle MacPuddin and his Mom (our Pam) was there too.
A SUPER GREAT DAY was had by all of us.

Sandy Loves Tow Mater...

Kyle Loves Speed...

Here is Gram-ma & Papa MacPuddin (Me & hubs)...

Sandy & her 3-D glasses...

Papa (Hubs) in his 3-D glasses

Surfer Kyle...

Auntie (Sandy) and Kyle on the 'Jelly Fish' ride...

***~***

Well...that's all Folks...Hope you enjoyed...We sure did.

FINALLY...A Beautiful Grand-daughter

Kohana Anne Shores
7-27-2009
6 lbs - 12 oz.
18 inches tall
&
5 weeks premature.

If she had gone full term,
Hana would have probably been close
to her Daddy's birth weight at just under 10 lbs.

Kohana means 'little flower' in Japanese.

My mother, Hana's 'GGma',
informed me that Kohana
also means 'dear one' in Polish.
Talk about a coincidence...I did not know this.

Papa is holding her in his lap for the first time.
Just look at those chubby cheeks.

She is the sweetest, most beautiful
bundle of Joy I have ever seen.

Am I sounding like a dotting Gran ma?

YUP, and you have not heard the last of it.

Thank you Jeff & Cassie,
We Love you,
Papa, Gran ma & Auntie

...'and a Partridge in a Pear Tree' TUTORIAL...

Something of a TUTORIAL...
My most recent painting is finished...I started to photo the process, but after I got the backrounds based in I got carried away...I LOVE detail work.
First...my rough sketch.
Second...a more refined sketch to scale
5" x 7" in this case.


Third...Design is now traced to a Velum so that
I may apply to painting surface.
Fourth...The sky and hillside colors are base coated,
now ready for the actual pattern to be applied.


Like I said...I got carried away.
Once I started painting the subject matter I just kept going.
It's like 'breaking the ice' for me.
***~***


***Here is the Finished Piece***

***Here it is Framed***

Just S O L D this
But
I will have Christmas Cards
&
Pear shaped ornies...must see,
cause I think they are awesome...
Hope you do too.

A NEWLY DISCOVERED RECIPE to Share...

Bacon Dip Mix

Ingredients:
Jelly Mason Jar
4 crispy pieces of Bacon Bits
4 tsp. beef bouillon granules
4 Tbsp. Minced Onion
1/2 tsp. Minced Garlic

Directions:
Combine the above ingredients and store in a Jelly sized Mason Jar.
Store in refrigerator.

Directions for Making Dip:

Ingredients:
Bacon Dip Mix
4 Cups Sour Cream

Empty Bacon Dip Mix into a small mixing bowl.
Add Sour Cream and Stir until well blended.
Cover and Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Serve with Chips, Crackers or Fresh Veggies.
(This can be cut in 1/2 by just simply using only half
of the Dip Mix and only 2 cups of Sour Cream!)

***E N J O Y ***

TWO PRIMITIVE PEAR SLICES

PRIMITIVE PEAR SLICE TUCKS

2 slices hand sewn of antiqued and aged muslin.
Filled with aromatic saw dust.
Center of slice is drawn using
oil-base paint crayons.
Seeds are stitched.
Measures appx. 6-1/2" by 3-3/4" by 3/4" thick.

I have them tucked in with a basket of Pear shaped Gourds.

GO TO BARBARA SHORES' ART TO PURCHASE...
OOOPS Not any more...they have a new home...& Thanks.

.The.County.Fair.

Dora

Ewe

Neither Available...
Village Folk Art
by:Barbara Shores

EARLY AMERICAN LIFE 2009 DIRECTORY

Here is the LOGO for this years Directory...
& I am honored to be included.

BUY AMERICAN ~ 8"x10" FRAMED FOLK ART GICLEE PRINT

'BUY AMERICAN'
I just SOLD the original painting and am now offering a limited number of Giclee Prints...
This is mounted in an 8" x 10" painted wood frame, with glass.
It has and easel back so that it can be placed on a desk top or shelf
in the home or the work place,
can also be hung on the wall.

For more information...
Go To
Barbara Shores' Art ~ Selling Blog

THE MALAMUTE GRIN

PaPa McPuddin loves when Kody sits on his lap...some Lap Dog...all of 124 lbs.

I AM IN THE E.A.L. 2009 DIRECTORY

I can hardly stand it...I received an E-mail Congratulating me on being chosen to join the distinguished group of craftspeople to be listed in the 2009 Directory of Traditional American Crafts in the category "painted or framed art".
I am on cloud nine cause I nearly did NOT apply
thinking No Way would I be asked to be included.
Phew, I just cannot believe it...I am ecstatic.

MOSTLY...I am honored...
Thank you everyone at Early American Life.

EASTER JOY

This is Kyle... He is so entertaining and such fun too, at 3yrs 4mos...We are enjoying our Easter Dinner...and absolutely perfect day...



My two girls...Sandy and Pam, Kyle's Mom...Having Fun blowing bubbles.


There's Papa McPuddin as Kyles calls him...Evidently we are referred to as the McPuddin Family...Hubs (papa) has nick named Kyle, Kyle McPuddin as his middle name is McGregor. Well Kyle decided to call Papa...Papa McPuddin in return. What a smarty pants...He also is able to spell his first and last names. He makes us proud.

VILLAGE FOLK ART'S GALLERY ***Offerings For Sale (CLICK HERE)

VILLAGE FOLK ART'S GALLERY
BARBARA SHORES' ART

***KINDLY ENJOY BROWSING***
*** MY NEWLY ESTABLISHED GALLERY***
***BARBARA SHORES' ART ***
I will be featuring & SELLING my hand made Folk Art,
both painted as well as sculpted.

Spring has Sprung

Looks like I have a Green Thumb afterall.
Just one week later and 'Voila'...a bucket full


I saved & stored these daffodil/narcissus bulbs from last season in our garage.
It really gets HOT out there in the summer since we live in the Mojave.
I was not sure they would survive,
but they did and I am as pleased as punch.
I love these and daisies...do not which one I like the most.
But, now I can share with our Welcome Flag...

I was featured on 'Todays Primitive Home'...

CLICK HERE To Take A Look under 'WALL ART"

Here I go again... A Day Late & a Dollar short...so to speak.
Ye Olde Grist Mill was featured and I was not aware of it.
Thanks to Cheryl Bartley
You must view her Folk Art
It is magnificent!

An Easter Special - 4 Gourd Eggs

Four Crow Silhouettes
on Four Egg Gourds

I just finished these 4 different crow silhouettes
painted on 2-1/2" to 3" gourds.
They have been finished with wax polish for protection
and to augment the natural beauty by enhancing the patina.
I am showing them nested on a bed of Spanish Moss
Just in time for a Country Primitive Easter
OR
Anytime of a Country Primitive year.

SOLD

THANKS A BUNCH...

'X-Stop' implant update

It will be a week tomorrow since surgery and I am feeling some relief. Still feel some of the sciatica kind of pain, but I believe this will subside as the inflammation from that nerve heals.

The flap door on my lower back was glued back together with crazy glue, NO stitches or staples.
This allows me to shower, NO baths yet.
I love Bubble baths for relaxation...that will come in due time.
Gots to loose some weight~LOL.

Anyways, I am feeling much better, am able to walk with my walker, sleeping comfortably and remain optimistic.

Peace & Blessings to all,
Barb

F.Y.I.

Hi Everyone,
As you can see, it has been a little while since I posted but with good reason.
The reason being that I have dealt with this nasty sciatica for 14 months...visiting Pain Management Doctors, 'til they could no longer help.
Well, now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...Cause tomorrow, the 12th of Feb I will be getting an 'X-STOP' implanted in my lower back at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Redlands, CA, by Dr Colohan, Chief Neurosurgeon, & he said he has never know it to NOT work. Needless to say I am being very optimistic, & praying a lot...especially to St. Padre Pio & with high hopes of getting my life back.
I will be starting out with 'baby steps' at first. I can hardly wait to get up to full steam, especially with spring and summer just around the corner.
So for now...I hope you will be back to visit and to see some of my new Folk Art paintings...After all Grandma Moses was in her 90's, I've got 20+ years to catch up. hehehe

Much Peace & Blessing to each and everyone of you,
Barb

ETSY

Visit We Love Etsy

Mojave Desert Snow Storm

Looking to the left and the Cork Oak Tree branches are starting to bend...

Look to the right of our corner lot...

Ohhh, My Nandina berries just outside the window

It's just starting to get dark and it is still coming down....Yaaaaa!

Kody is lovin' the snow...but that's what Malamutes do!

Can you tell...Our Angel, Sandy is dressed for the occasion...
ski sweater, boots and of course snow flake earrings to match...
Sandy LOVES jewelry.

This is Mom's Snow Dog ~ What a hunk..I think he is so Handsome...
Guess what my retired construction hunk is doin'?
Yup, with a bag & small shovel in hand...you guessed it...
Now Kody is Dad's Snow Dog...hehehe

I just Love this view of Kody...It is so soft and Fluffy!
Yes, that's my Honey for 47 years...wearin' his USC stocking hat...of course.

The Canvas Wall Hanger...painted nearly 15 years ago...I just love it.

Come on in for a Cup of Hot Coffee...or maybe some Green Tea?

Lookin' Down the Road...Not much snow...just wet rain...so far!

HAVE YOU BEEN RESCUED LATELY?

Kody is our Alaskan Malamute...We have had him for 6 years...
He brings such Joy, Love and companionship to us...
wish we had room for another.

These Christmas gifts are NOT disposable, they are keepers.
Here is a heart warming story...hope you EnJoY.

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.

I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.

I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.

Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.

I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.

I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.

At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

THIS IS OUR KODY...HE IS ALMOST 6 YEARS OLD
WE LOVE AND ADORE HIM...
HE IS OUR $1,000,000 DOG
CAUSE HE IS NOT FOR SALE AT ANY PRICE...

IF DOGS COULD TALK...

1. My life is likely to last 10-17 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me, or that I might not understand what it is you want. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,or any food or water, or I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You will grow old, too.

10. On that sad and difficult last journey, go with me please.

Never say you can't bear to watch.

Don't make me face this alone.

Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I Love you so.

Tell me goodbye with your presence, no matter how difficult it is for you, remember, it's worse for me....

Take a moment today to be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without our four legged critters~

Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We get so much from our four legged pets who sadly live shorter lives than we. We need to make their lives as well as our own a mutual relationship that has no comparison with other relationships. Your four legged friend will not divorce or leave you.

You don't need to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here and now on earth and has four legs!

Ohhh My Gosh...An Award for Me?

Suzanne,
You have honored me with this award...
an award you so well-deserved too.
Thank you for your kindness & thoughtfulness.

Now I have the chore of passing this on to other artsy folks.
There are sooo many worthy of this recognition.

Here goes just a few of the many~E N J O Y ! ! !


1. Nancy Malay~Vintage Whimsy

2. blue jean primitives

3. winding vine

4. soft in the head

5. primitive sisters

6. ladonna welter

7. goldie loo woodworks

8. chickadee primitives

I',M DONE ! ! ! for Now.

Three days after I started...I am Done...


The Family Gathering Place...



We Love to Cook & Eat & Talk...

A VERY small and simple mantle with my Four Seasons Mini Paintings...

FINALLY...The Coffee Table,
with my Hand Painted Paper Mache Harvest Pumpkin,
surrounded with bowl/basket fillers...

As far as the rest of the house...I am not goin' there, cause in 36 days it ALL comes down and makes way for Christmas...

~*~HAPPY HALLOWEEN~*~

~*~HAPPY THANKSGIVING~*~

***With Much PEACE & BLESSINGS***

from OUR FAMILY to YOURS
Barbara Shores
Village Folk Art

DAY ONE...Decorating the Inside

Okay...I know you must enter thru the front door to get to all of the other stuff...Sooo,
here it is, the START Box...(Green means Go)



I said I was SLOOOWWW....Here is my first day of Halloween Decorating & some for Fall, since it is the 2nd day of FALL.

We are NOW INSIDE, so Let's get goin'...


VELCOMMMME My Little darlings...



COME & SIT A SPELLLL...






A LITTLE CLOSER DEARRRIE...




BOOOOOO...Ooops, I scared myself! heheheee


PHEEEW...The Entry is done!
Really...Not much more to do cause we live in a retirement community and the space around here is scarce.
Just wait until Day 2...BUT, DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH
Remember what I said about being SLOW...and ONLY when the SPIRIT moves me ? ? ?

ILLUMINATED JACK-O-LANTERNS

THE ORIGINAL PAINTING
FOR SALE ON MY
VILLAGE FOLK ART GALLERY

***~~~***~~~***~~~***




However,
A PRINT is now being offered FOR SALE on My ETSY...
CLICK HERE

HAIL, HAIL, THE GANGS ALL HERE...

That is the SHORES/BROWN 2008 Family Reunion Gang.
Most of us were there, but as always a few were unable to make it. A Great time was had by all as can be seen in a few of my pictures.

Sandy Shores (Our Angel)



Pamela Pearson (Our CPA)



Cassie & Jeff Shores
ALL SHORES INSURANCE



Chuck Shores
MY HONEY

I LUV HALLOWEEN...

FRIGHTFUL NITE FLITE

Here is a preview of some of my upcoming works for that bewitchin' nite...SILHOUETTES...a little different from the usual for me, but, refreshing for a change of pace...
Sorry, easel NOT included.
We are baby sitting Kyle (Grandson) for the week...I am sure I will be slowed down more than usual...can't think of a better reason!
available on
MY VILLAGE FOLK ART GALLERY

SPICE BERRY COTTAGE * RESERVED

~ R E S E R V E D ~
&
~ S O L D ~

This was painted for a kind neighbor (So Cal) to be used for their website.
I so enjoyed painting this one with hopes that they will be delighted too.

Many Thanks & EnJoY ! ! !

NOT on HOLD

This is why my Ghoulish Gourd is not Finished...so now it's back to Halloween...yeah...
There is so much detail that I was afraid I would never get it done...But I did it!
It is up for AUCTION ON MY eBay...

~S O L D ~
to a wonderful lady in Great Britain...ENJOY!

Hello Barbara,
Just to let you know that I unwrapped your wonderful wooden chest today.
I am so thrilled with it and can't get over your superb painting.
Thank-you so much with all your help.
Kindest regards Diane.

Happy Father's Day

Well...Yesterday I wished & prayed "Happy Father's Day" to my Dad & Father-in-law. They are no longer with us but enjoying the comforts of Heaven.
My husband enjoyed phone calls from three of our children...traveling is just too costly these days. So we had a very quiet day, B-B-Q'd Hamburgers & Corn-on-the-cob and had some wonderful margueritas in the evening. Chuck did go to the Hot Rod show at Pomona Fairplex on Saturday and met with some high school friends...A great time was had by all of them...mostly reminiscing as always. They are such a hoot when we ALL get together..
Hope your day was as pleasurable & laid back as ours...that's what we enjoy the most, just wished the kids could have been here too. Oh well, next time.
Peace & Blessings to all & ESPECIALLY to our WARRIORS ***

One Nation Under God

This American Bald Eagle was originally painted on an old oak school library chair top rail.
It was then raffled off to highest bidder to raise money for our local Decorative Artists Chapter.
I did not bid high enough...Dad Gum!!! & I had just the right spot for it too. Ohh well, I've got a framed print instead and I LOVE it.
HAPPY FLAG DAY
and coming up very soon
HAPPY 4th of JULY...

PRINT FOR SALE AT


My YESSY Gallery

GOD BLESS AMERICA ~ Folk Art Painting

Okay...phew...I just finished and listed on EBAY this "GOD BLESS AMERICA" ~ 5"x7"x1-1/2" stretched canvas painting...Just in time for "Flag Day" & "4th of July"...and all the true patriots out there.
Take a LOOK...What do you Think?

JUST SOLD...THANKS A BUNCH!
BUT,
A PRINT IS FOR SALE on ETSY...
Without the crackling effect...
check it out on ETSY!

Butterfly Kisses

I found this poem and thought it to be very apropo...It is so beautiful.





May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

St. Francis of Assisi

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
St. Francis Of Assisi (1181-1226)

My St Francis of Assisi garden statue...with two of my bird houses that I am patiently waiting for my hubby to mount on some short poles to better locate around the planters. We have many Humming Birds too...they are so entertaining. So far I have not even tried to photograph them as that will be my next endeavor with my Lil' Canon digital Power Shot Camera. Sandy has named the Hummer family, Zippity, DoDah, and Red head. She swears she knows one from the other and I don't doubt that she does.

Our 1st grandchild...and only so far

YUP...That's Kyle and he's got Kody's bone...Yuuuk!
Holy Moly...What will that child get into next?
Oh yeh, remember the 'terrible twos'..this is it.

Our Special Angel & her favorite dog

This is our Daughter, Sondra (Sandy).
She is our Special Angel...with Williams Syndrome.
The sunshine of our lives.
Chuck & I have been married for 47 years and have three other children, Michael, Pamela, and Jeffrey.
Pam and Jim are the parents of our only grandchild,
Kyle...so far, 'cause Ryder is on his way.

The furry love of our lives is Kodiak,
an Alaskan Malamute... Kody Bear.
He does very well to tolerate us.